Knitting Cast On Methods

In this post, you will see different knitting cast-on methods.

There are many different ways of casting on and creating loops of yarn on the needle that you can start to work with.

We will look at the most common methods of casting on, so you can see what they all mean!

What Is Casting On In Knitting?

All knitting projects begin with casting on—a fundamental step that creates the first row of loops on your needle.

These loops form the foundation for all your stitches.

There are many cast-on methods to choose from, depending on the look, stretch, and structure you want.

In the video in this post, I’ll show you how to use the thumb cast-on method, also known as the backward-loop cast-on.

It’s a simple technique that uses just one needle and is perfect for beginners learning how to knit.

Learning to cast on is the first step in your knitting journey.

Whether you’re creating a scarf, sweater, or socks, this technique gets your yarn on the needles and ready to go.

If you’re new to knitting, check out my full guide: Learn How to Knit – A Complete Beginner’s Guide.

It’s as simple as placing the yarn on the needle—loop by loop—until you reach the number of stitches your pattern calls for.

What Is The Best Cast On Method For Knitting?

The best cast-on method depends on your project and the type of edge you want to create.

• The long-tail cast-on is a go-to for most knitters—stretchy, tidy, and versatile.
• For toe-up socks, try Judy’s Magic Cast On—a seamless technique using two needles and a cleverly wrapped strand of yarn across your palm and left index finger.
• Need extra elasticity for a hat or sleeve cuff? The German twisted cast-on or cable cast-on works well.
• For small, detailed beginnings like i-cords, a backward-loop cast-on or a provisional cast-on using waste yarn may be ideal.

Pro tip: if your cast-on edge tends to feel tight, try using a larger needle size to help keep your stitches looser and more flexible.

1. The Long Tail Cast On

This is a really popular way of casting on with knitters.

It is an easy method to learn and a fast way of getting the stitches onto the needle.

This is a method that can be used in any project, and the way that it is done means that the bumps created by the casting on can be used as the first row of knitting.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial for the longtail cast on here.

You can also see the longtail cast on method – Slingshot here.

2. The Knit Cast On

This is another good choice for beginners, as it can teach you how to do the knit stitch while you cast on.

It is a good cast on for many types of projects and is quite stretchy.

Learn how to cast on and learn a new stitch at the same time!

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

3. Cast On Thumb Method

This is a variation of the long-tail cast-on method.

The thumb method is really easy for beginners.

Once you practice and learn how to do this, it is the fastest cast-on method.

From a length of yarn, you create a slip knot, place it onto your right needle (this counts as the first stitch), then create loops (live stitches) from your working yarn on that needle, by using your thumb and index finger.

View a step-by-step photograph and video tutorial here – How To Cast On Knitting.

You can also view more tutorials here – Knitting Lessons.

4. The Wrap Cast On

This is also an easy way to cast on your stitches if you are a new knitter.

It is quick and easy to do and is a stretchy cast-on, great for sweaters, necklines and socks. 

You can also use it for a knitting project where you do not want the cast on edge to stand out from the knitting.

This is a fun knitting technique to learn.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

5. The Cable Cast On

The cable cast-on method is used for hats and sweaters.

It has a firm edge and is not as stretchy as other methods.

You need to keep your stitches loose, keeping an eye on your tension, because if the stitches get too tight, you will struggle to cast on the stitches.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

6. Provisional Cast On

The provisional cast-on method is a good way to add stitches that you will want to work into again. 

To start with you need to complete a little bit of crochet, and work into it with knitting.

When you have the desired number of stitches you want, you can pull out the crochet chain.

You will be left with your knitting stitches and can start working on your next row.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

7. Stretchy Cast On

The stretchy cast-on method is also known as the German twist cast-on or the Old Norwegian cast-on.

This starts in a similar way to the long tail cast-on method.

This is a great cast-on choice for socks, as it has an extra twist that creates a stretchy edge.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

8. Backward Loop Cast On

The backward loop cast-on method is not a general cast-on method for beginners but one that is perfect for casting on stitches in the middle of a row.

For example, on the underarm of a top-down sweater or for a mitten thumb.

This a great method to try if you are interested in learning new techniques.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

9. Picot Cast on

Learn how to master the picot cast on edge with this tutorial from Nimble Needles.

A great way to start and possibly end a project with a decorative edge.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

10. Tubular Cast on

The tubular cast on method is known for giving extra stretch to projects like cuffs and hats.

A ribbed hat for example would benefit from a stretchy tubular cast on that can stretch with the ribbing.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

11. German Cast on

The German cast-on, which is sometimes also called the old Norwegian cast-on, is based on the longtail method but is a little different because it brings an extra twist and therefore more elasticity to your edge.

This is perfect if you wish to create some extra stretch in the ribbing of socks, gloves, or hats or if you are knitting with yarns that do not come with a lot of natural stretchiness, such as cotton or linen. 

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

12. Chinese Waitress Cast on

This cast-on method is for the more intermediate knitter as it makes a pretty decorative edge that is double-sided.

You can use this method for projects like scarves, but not for anything that needs to be super stretchy.

This method can also be completed using a crochet hook and a knitting needle.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

13. Pinhole Cast on

The pinhole cast-on is a technique used to cast on stitches to start a project that is knit in the round starting from the center.

Stitches are cast on around a loop of yarn, and then that loop is pulled tight.

These stitches can then be worked in the round.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

14. Turkish Cast on

The Turkish cast-on is a way to cast on in an invisible way for patterns to be worked in the round.

This is ideal for projects like toe-up socks.

It can be used for anything that requires knitting in the round and a neat, seamless start.

You will use both the right hand and left hand needles.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

15. Judy’s Magic Cast On

Judy’s Magic Cast On is a brilliant, seamless method often used to start toe-up socks, but it’s also great for projects like mittens or even i-cord beginnings.

It creates a smooth, invisible start by wrapping the strand of yarn around both the left needle and the right needle, held parallel in your hands.

The yarn is tensioned around your left index finger and palm, with motions similar to the backward-loop cast-on, but with both needles involved.

Many knitters find it easier to use a larger needle for the cast-on before switching to the recommended needle size.

You can also use waste yarn to practice the motion before binding off.

This method creates a closed, double-sided edge that doesn’t need to be bound off later—ideal for projects where a neat, stretchy beginning is key.

You can see a step-by-step tutorial here.

More Knitting Tutorials

• Cast off knitting methods
• How to cast on knitting
• How to cast off knitting for total beginners (step by step)
• How to knit the purl stitch (for beginners + a video tutorial)
• How to knit stockinette stitch (for beginners)
• How to read knitting patterns for beginners
• Knitting abbreviations and terms (US and UK)
• How To Knit Rib Stitch Patterns (1×1 and 2×2 ribbing).
• The mattress stitch – how to seam knitting.